Reece Welch is excited to tap into the "good energy" at Bradford City after impressing on trial in pre-season.
The centre-back has been training with the Bantams this summer after being released by Everton at the end of the last campaign.
Now, after loans at Forest Green Rovers and Belgian club Deinze, the 22-year-old is ready to kick on and thinks he has found the right environment to do it in.
“I am really excited to be here," said the former England youth international. "You know the size of the club, it is massive.
TOFFEE FACTORY PRODUCT: New Bradford City signing Reece Welch learnt the game in Everton's academy (Image courtesy of Bradford City)placeholder image
TOFFEE FACTORY PRODUCT: New Bradford City signing Reece Welch learnt the game in Everton's academy (Image courtesy of Bradford City)
"I have been in for a few weeks on trial now and can already feel the good energy around the club.
“The lads are all sound, great players. The gaffer is brilliant, and I am thankful the manager has put his faith in me, and hopefully I can show what I am about.”
Last summer Bradford signed Jenson Metcalfe from Everton's academy, and the midfielder had such a good season in claret-and-amber it earnt him a £2m move to Championship Millwall.
Unlike Metcalfe, Welch did taste senior football with the Toffees – who he was with from the age of eight – in four cup appearances, one of them a League Cup start at Fleetwood Town. He made 12 League Two starts for Forest Green in 2023-24.
SUCCESS STORY: A year at Bradford City propelled Jenson Metcalfe into the Championship (Image: Tony Johnson)placeholder image
SUCCESS STORY: A year at Bradford City propelled Jenson Metcalfe into the Championship (Image: Tony Johnson)
What had been due to be a season-long loan in the Belgian second tier the following term was cut short in December when Deinze went bankrupt.
At 6ft 6in, the physicality of League One should hold no fears for Welch, who showed the quality which comes with a Premier League academy upbringing in pre-season friendlies against Halifax Town, Accrington Stanley, SV Gmunden, Preston North End and Salford City.
“Reece has all the attributes we like in our defenders," said manager Graham Alexander. "He has athleticism, excellent ability on the ball and a will to defend.
“We believe he has the potential to be a top player, and we will work hard with him to fulfil it."
Welch is set to make his competitive debut in Saturday's League Cup first-round tie at home to Rochdale.